Richter RP, Russell RT, Hu PJ, et al. - Given that angiopoietin-1 (Agpt-1) and Agpt-2 represent cytokine regulators of vascular endothelial integrity and adverse outcomes in adult trauma and pediatric sepsis populations have been reported in correlation with elevated plasma Agpt-2 levels and ratios of Agpt-2:Agpt-1, researchers intended to characterize the behavior of the angiopoietins following pediatric trauma, as well as to establish their link with endothelial glycocalyx damage, indicated by plasma syndecan-1 (Syn-1) levels in this secondary analysis. They analyzed prospectively gathered data from 52 pediatric trauma patients and 12 control patients. Significantly raised plasma Agpt-2:Agpt-1 ratios were observed at 24 h in trauma patients vs controls because of the decline of Agpt-1 levels to near that of controls. More hypoperfusion was reported in relation to higher 24-h Agpt-2 levels, and adverse clinical outcomes were reported in correlation with elevated 24-h Agpt-2:Agpt-1 ratios. Findings revealed significant positive associations between Agpt-2 and Syn-1 upon admission and at 24 h post-injury. Overall, dysregulation of circulating angiopoietins was evident following pediatric trauma, with a possible association with endothelial glycocalyx injury.